Review and impressions of the unaired version of "Mokke": What is the appeal that you can't miss?

"Mokke Unreleased Version" - The charm of anime that brings back memories and healing

"Moke Unreleased Version" is an OVA released on January 25, 2008, based on the manga "Moke" by Kumakura Takatoshi. The story follows the sisters Shizuru and Mizuki as they grow up while interacting with monsters. The animation was produced by Madhouse and Tezuka Productions, and the director was Nishida Masayoshi. Although it is a short two-part story, it draws viewers in with its deep themes and beautiful visuals.

story

Shizuru and Mizuki are sisters with the ability to see spirits, known as Kenki. Shizuru has a constitution known as Kenki-san, and Mizuki has a constitution known as Yorimasshi, meaning they are easily possessed by spirits. The family, worried about how to raise these sisters, decide to leave them in the countryside where their grandparents live. In the rural town, Shizuru and Mizuki learn the meaning of coexisting with nature and spirits from their grandparents and the townspeople, and come to reaffirm what is important through respect for gods and Buddhas, reverence for nature, and the customs rooted in the land.

Commentary

"Mokke Unreleased Version" is a heartwarming anime. The sisters Shizuru and Mizuki have the special abilities of seeing ghosts and possessing spirits, but they grow up interacting with ghosts in their daily lives. The setting, in which the family agonizes over their lives and sends them to the countryside, reminds us of the connection to nature and traditions that are being forgotten in modern society.

In their rural town, Shizuru and Mizuki learn what it means to coexist with nature and monsters. Through the respect for gods and Buddhas, reverence for nature, and local customs that people of the past used to have, they learn about the "important things" that modern Japanese people have forgotten. This work depicts a time when people were not in a rush, and had the mental space and sensitivity to read the "stories" behind things. For this reason, "Mokke" transcends generations and eras, helping people to reaffirm what is universally desired and important, and leaving viewers with a deep sense of relief.

Yokai are not something special, they exist wherever there are people. If there is a reason or trigger for people to sense yokai, they will imagine and perceive them. Many people have had the experience of seeing "something" as children that adults cannot see. The world of "Mokke" is a peaceful place where people who can still coexist with yokai coexist with a modest amount of nature.

cast

Shizuru is played by Kawasumi Ayako, and Mizuki is played by Mizuki Nana. Shizuru's grandfather is played by Hori Katsuyuki, her grandmother is played by Kyoda Naoko, and her mother Chitose is played by Mitsuishi Kotono. These cast members realistically portray the growth of Shizuru and Mizuki and the bond with their families.

Main Staff

The original work is by Takatoshi Kumakura, the director is Masayoshi Nishida, the series composition is Haruko Nagatsu, the character design and general animation director is Toshio Kawaguchi. The art design is Minoru Nishida, the art director is Masato Shibata, the color setting is Megumi Yoshida, the cinematographer is Keisuke Nakamura, the editor is Wataru Uchida, the sound director is Masafumi Mima, the music is Yoshihiro Ike, the music producer is Asaichi Iizumi, the executive producer is Jungo Maruta, the producers are Yoshihito Takaya, Yasuteru Iwase, Masayuki Hariu, and the animation producers are Sumio Udagawa and Shintaro Hashimoto. The animation is produced by Madhouse and Tezuka Productions, produced by Me-Tele, and produced by the Mokke Production Committee (Avex Entertainment, Madhouse, Kodansha).

Main Characters

Shizuru is a quiet and gentle girl, and a caring older sister to Mizuki. She has the ability to see ghosts, and can see youkai. Shizuru is troubled by her ability, and grows as she gets involved in events. Mizuki is Shizuru's younger sister, and has the constitution of a spirit-possessing shaman, making her susceptible to being possessed by youkai. She is an active girl who is good at sports and expresses her emotions straightforwardly. Grandpa is Shizuru and Mizuki's grandfather, and is a local historian and a shaman. He has high abilities and can exorcise youkai that have possessed people. Mi-ke is the Hihara family's cat, and is special to Shizuru and Mizuki. Granny is the sisters' grandmother, and watches over them as a mother figure after they leave their parents' home. Chitose is Shizuru and Mizuki's mother.

subtitle

The first episode, "Toorikaze," was released on January 25, 2008, and the second episode, "Mitsuashigaeru," was released on May 23, 2008. These episodes depict Shizuru and Mizuki's growth and their relationship with the youkai.

Related Titles

"Moke Unreleased Version" is related to the TV anime "Moke." The TV anime "Moke" is a work that depicts the daily life and growth of Shizuru and Mizuki in more detail, so please watch it as well.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme "Kokoro no Ato" was written and sung by Riyu Kosaka, and composed and arranged by Yoichi Sakai. The ending theme "Panorama" was written, composed and arranged by Kano Kaori, and sung by Mai Hashimoto. These songs highlight the emotional growth of Shizuru and Mizuki and the atmosphere of the story.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Mokke Unreleased Version" is a short episode, but it draws viewers in with its deep themes and beautiful images. Through the growth of Shizuru and Mizuki and their relationship with the yokai, it makes us reaffirm our connection to nature and tradition. This is a work that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an anime that will truly make them feel at ease.

This work not only reminds us of the "important things" that are being forgotten in modern society, but also offers a new perspective to viewers through the fantasy element of yokai. The sisterly love between Shizuru and Mizuki and the bond with their families are also moving, and you can enjoy a heartwarming story. Please watch "Mokke Unreleased Version" and feel nostalgia and healing.